Staff Additions and Changes
We have some new team members and some changes to our Staff. Jean Dotson has recently joined our Finance Office as a junior staff accountant, initially focusing on supporting the revenue side of our operation. Sue Geegan is stepping back but not out of our Human Concerns Community. Jean Swenson will soon assume the role of Director of Human Concerns and Sue will remain in a limited, advisory role. Paula Kowalkowski, who joined our staff last year, will continue to assist with some of the Human Concerns ministries and with activities in Adult Faith. Melissa Boelens will assume Jean Swenson’s role in helping to reserve space for meetings and activities, along with Virtus Training and Protecting God’s Children and other duties. Miriam Kinastowski has joined our Family and Teen Faith team as our new part-time Youth Minister.
Please both congratulate and warmly welcome these valuable members of our Holy Family team.
Sabbatical
Last week in this space I mentioned that I am taking a six-month sabbatical beginning July 1, 2027. A sabbatical is not simply for extended rest and relaxation, although a bit of that is included. The Archdiocese of Chicago offers sabbaticals for priests for renewal, continuing education, and special projects. I must submit a detailed plan for my upcoming sabbatical, and it must be approved by a Board that oversees these requests. It must include an extended retreat and continuing education that supports my growth plan, which was submitted to our Vicar Bishop Timothy O’Malley.
Each one of us priests has crafted a growth plan with goals and objectives in three areas:
- Priest as Shepherd
- Priest as Steward
- Priest as Disciple of Christ
The Cardinal will also approve a plan for Pastoral Leadership of our community during my time away. I will return as your Pastor January 1, 2028 and then fully retire on July 1, 2028. Please continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we transition to new leadership for the next major chapter of Holy Family Catholic Community.
Readings
The passage we hear from Matthew’s Gospel this weekend was a significant part of reflection during my recent eight-day silent directed retreat at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The passage tells us that Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. I invite you to personalize this question. Who do other people say that Jesus Christ is? What have you heard during your life about the identity of Jesus Christ? What have you heard that has been helpful for you? What intrigues you?
The next question Jesus asks them is, “Who do you say that I am? So, who do you say that Jesus Christ is? Who is he for and to YOU? How has the answer to that question changed and evolved through your life? Who was Jesus to you when you were young? Younger? As you grew and changed?
Peter’s response to Jesus’ question is monumental. Peter says to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms that this revelation by Peter about the identity of Jesus is not a human one but a divine one. It is so significant that Jesus gives Peter a new name and commissions him with responsibilities of forgiveness and heavenly power and guidance for the Church.
I was invited on my retreat, through the inspiration of this passage and the guidance of a Jesuit-trained Spiritual Director, to see the importance of who others say Jesus is, who I say Jesus is, and who Jesus says that I am.
Notice that the passage is not only about the identity of Jesus but the identity that Jesus gives to Peter, based on his divinely inspired insight into Jesus’ identity.
Who does the Lord say that YOU are? I invite you to spend some time reflecting on this question. How has your identity changed throughout your life? Is your identity shaped by what others think of you? What you think of yourself?
I was invited and challenged to spend some extended quiet time of prayer reflecting on who the Lord says I am. In reality, our identity is composed of all three influences – who others say we are, who we say we are, and who God says we are. What we hear and sense from God often requires time and reflection. It is not usually a one-time endeavor, but we all do have significant moments that help to clarify who we are and who the Lord says we are.